Westbank First Nation’s 29th annual síya? celebration

WESTBANK FIRST NATION – The sncewips Heritage Museum and Westbank First Nation invite the public to attend the 29th annual síya? celebration June 7 at the Elders Hall & Ball Field in West Kelowna.

The event includes traditional syilx dancing, drumming and singing and features local arts, jewellery and crafts for sale, according to a media release.

Food trucks will be on location, so bring cash and grab some lunch.

The first síya? celebration took place in 1990 when the Westbank First Nation School first opened, the release says. The event gives the community an opportunity to honour the natural land and resources, something the syilx (Okanagan) people have always done, as well as celebrate the achievements of the children as they near the end of the school year.

Guests are reminded that there is no photography during ceremony and prayers, and to ask before photographing or touching the dancers’ outfits.

The 2019 síya? agenda, map of location, and additional information can be found here.

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